How to Teach "Siddhartha"

by Rachel Natbony

Siddhartha is an interesting, poetically written novel about a spiritual journey of self-discovery. Hesse's work explores Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, so a lesson on the basics of Hinduism, Buddhism, and the caste system will help students have a better understanding of the novel. As students become more familiar with these religions, they can discuss how Buddhism diverges from Hinduism.

Hesse's novel can be read as a religious or philosophical allegory. While reading, your class can examine how the format of the novel mirrors the Four Noble Truths and Eight-Fold Path. Character names also have allegorical significance, so students can look up the meaning or significance of the names and how they relate to the allegory.

Hesse uses language that mimics oral tradition. Students can analyze the poetic elements of the language and read passages aloud to get a better feel for the rhythm and repetition. Your class can discuss why Hesse would write in this poetic manner and how the choice relates to the Buddhist oral tradition.

Content Warning

Siddhartha contains some sensuality.

Summary

Living in ancient India, Siddhartha is expected to become a Hindu Brahman like his father; however, Siddhartha feels restless, and he and his friend Govinda join a group of wandering ascetics called Samanas and start a spiritual journey. During his journey, Siddhartha learns of Buddhism, but immerses himself in the pleasures of the body and material world. Years pass, and Siddhartha realizes that his luxurious lifestyle is void of spiritual fulfillment. As he meditates by a river, Siddhartha attains enlightenment.

Objectives for Teaching Siddhartha

Understand the impact the Hindu religion has on Siddhartha's early life.

Define the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path of Buddhism and discuss how the structure of the book follows these twelve steps to salvation.

Cite examples of poetic elements evident in the beauty of Hesse's descriptions and in the rhyming quality of the prose.

Compare the Christian idea that God created the natural world and its inhabitants with the Hindu and Buddhist concept of the unity of all things.

Comment on how Siddhartha melds the Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist religions to find peace.

Discuss how the structure of the story and the names of the characters give evidence that this novel is an allegory.

Key Elements and Techniques

Allegory

Anaphora

Epithet

Foreshadowing

Irony

Oral Tradition

Quest

Symbol

Themes and Motifs

Spiritual Quest — The novel centers on Siddhartha's quest for spiritual enlightenment as he tries to reach Nirvana, or universal understanding of life.

Personal Experience vs. Formal Training — The Buddha and his disciples teach a system for obtaining enlightenment, but Siddhartha chooses to reach this knowledge independently.

Perseverance — Even when Siddhartha becomes deeply disheartened during his spiritual journey, he never abandons his quest.